Sister Act is a sassy and sweet, disco-flavored treat. Based on the hit 1992 movie starring Whoopie Goldberg, it tells the story of a wannabe disco-diva nightclub singer who accidentally witnesses her gangster boyfriend murder a snitch. She flees to the fuzz, who hides her in a convent, and high jinks, lifestyle clashes, nun jokes, romance, and ultimately salvation through friendship ensue. And through it all is a rollicking collection of ’70s-style tunes by the inimitable Alan Menken. Alexandra Johnson and the Cast of ‘Sister Act.’ Photo by Nate Jackson Photography. 2nd Star’s production leans into the groovy, good-time vibes of the show. The set by Makayla Davis and Andrea Trent features a large, detailed, and quite beautiful church background, punctuated by flown-in panels (a rare treat in a community production) creating other locations, like the street or police station. Mary Wakefield’s costumes are exceptional, from the glittery diva dress at the beginning right through to the glittery nun’s habits at the end. An especially delightful touch is the wildly colorful pajamas the sisters wear in one scene — complete with matching wimples and veils! And there is a quick-change tour de force during a fantasy number in which a character goes from police uniform to two different disco outfits back to uniform. Alexandra Johnson as Deloris Van Cartier in ‘Sister Act.’ Photo by Nate Jackson Photography. Michelle Bruno’s crisp music direction and crack 14-piece orchestra keep the good times rolling, nicely complementing the powerful voices of the cast. She conducts the various styles of numbers, from disco to gospel to R&B to plaintive character songs, equally well. The sassiness is written into the script, but it is emphasized and enhanced by Kevin Sockwell’s deft direction. Sockwell, a veteran comic director who has never met a “bit” he didn’t like, finds plenty to play with here, including a hilariously silly take on a classic gangster interrogation scene, and an extended chase scene reminiscent of the Keystone Cops in track suits and habits. The cast lives up to the standards of the rest of the production. The supporting characters fling themselves into their parts with abandon and good humor. Zoë Argabright and Lisa Pellittiere open the show on a glamorous note as the star’s backup singers. Gene Valendo is a charming Monsignor O’Hara, whether he’s lilting his Irish accent or rocking Elton John specs. The bumbling gangsters (Seaton Fonmboh, Bryan Hargraves, and Todd Winkler) commit totally to their roles, whether they’re flailing and failing to catch their prey, or crooning in falsetto like the Jackson 5 (er, 3). Kieth Flores, as the murderous boyfriend/gang boss Curtis, delivers an especially creepy lethal love song “When I Find My Baby” in a strong voice. The main nuns, Amariya Kailo, Laura D. Hackett, and Katherine Lang, are funny and sweet. Kailo, as the young postulant Sister Mary Robert, delivers a soaring solo number, “The Life I Never Led,” as well. John Fonmboh strikes all the right notes as the earnest love interest “Sweaty Eddie” particularly in his production number, “I Could Be That Boy.” The main characters shine like a disco ball. Maggie Contompasis presents a Mother Superior who ranges convincingly from sour and straightlaced to genuinely distressed that the world she has known seems to be crumbling around her. And as the star of the show Disco Diva Deloris Van Cartier, Alexandra Johnson delivers a suitably fabulous performance combining a glorious voice with expert comic delivery. Everyone connected with the show seems to be having a marvelous time – and so will you. So boogie on down to 2nd Star and catch Sister Act. Running Time: Approximately two hours with one intermission. Sister Act plays through November 2, 2024 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), presented by 2nd Star Productions performing at The Bowie Playhouse – 16500 White Marsh Pk Dr in Bowie, MD. For tickets ($29 general admission; $26 for seniors 60+, active military, and students; $18 for children under 12), buy them at the door or purchase them online. call 410-757-5700, or email [email protected]. (NOTE: matinees are either sold out or selling out fast.) The cast and production team for Sister Act are online here (scroll down). Sister Act Directed by Kevin Sockwell Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Glenn Slater Book by Cheri Steinkellner, Bill Steinkellner Additional Book Material by Douglas Carter Beane Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture, Sister Act, written by Joseph Howard